Pastors sue Illinois over gay conversion therapy ban

A group of pastors is suing Illinois over a law that bars therapists and counselors from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation, saying in a Thursday filing that the prohibition violates free speech and religious rights.

The federal lawsuit seeks to exclude clergy from the ban that took effect Jan. 1, arguing that homosexuality is "contrary to God's purpose" and a disorder that "can be resisted or overcome by those who seek to be faithful to God and His Word."

Illinois is among five states with bans on so-called gay conversion therapy for youth under 18, a practice critics have decried as psychologically damaging. The laws in California and New Jersey have withstood legal challenges, but an attorney for the pastors said the prohibitions in those states did not include clergy.

"The law in Illinois is broader than the other laws, which were aimed at licensed counselors," said John Mauck, who added that his plaintiffs are not seeking to overturn the entire ban, but want a ruling stating it shouldn't apply to clergy.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-gay-conversion-therapy-ban-lawsuit-20160811-story.html